Per-Foot Pricing

Per-foot pricing provides cost predictability for projects with a defined scope of linear excavation. Rather than billing by the hour, the contractor quotes a fixed price per linear foot that includes excavation, spoil removal, and sometimes backfill. Typical per-foot rates for hydrovac slot trenching range from $10 to $50 per linear foot depending on trench width, depth, soil conditions, and access.

This pricing model works best for straightforward trenching projects with consistent soil conditions and minimal obstructions. It gives the client budget certainty and incentivizes the contractor to work efficiently. However, per-foot pricing can be problematic in areas with unknown subsurface conditions, heavy root systems, rocky soils, or dense existing utilities, as these factors dramatically increase excavation time per foot.

Most per-foot contracts include provisions for changed conditions. If the contractor encounters unexpected rock, contaminated soil, or utility congestion that significantly increases the difficulty of excavation, the per-foot rate may be adjusted or the billing method may switch to hourly. Clear contract language about what constitutes changed conditions and how they will be handled prevents disputes during the project.